Sergio Perez gives Cadillac's 2026 Formula 1 car a shake down at Silverstone

Sergio Perez was at the wheel as the American squad rolled out for a pre season promotional day, marking the first time the team’s car has run in public.

The running formed part of a filming day and an initial systems shakedown, allowing the team to gather footage while verifying core car functions ahead of official pre season testing.

The car appeared entirely in black, with the final 2026 livery scheduled to be unveiled on Sunday February 8 during a television advertising spot at the Super Bowl, a move aimed at reaching new audiences in the United States and beyond.

Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings, described the Silverstone outing as a defining moment for the project, he said: “Today’s shakedown is a significant step for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team.

"Watching the car roll out of the garage is a moment of pride. The first laps on track mark a historic milestone; the culmination of thousands of hours of work, driven by pure passion.

"Graeme [Lowdon] has done an outstanding job of assembling a team of absolute racers that have given everything to get to this moment.

"This is just the beginning, as our work continues at pace towards Melbourne and beyond," Towriss concluded.

Team Principal Graeme Lowdon underlined the practical value of the day alongside its symbolism, he added: “Today represents countless hours of hard work, commitment and belief from everyone involved in the team.

"It shows the progress we’re continuing to make in a short space of time. It’s been a great opportunity for the team to gel in a live garage environment, verify car systems and resolve any initial issues.

"But it’s just the beginning of the road; we now turn our attention to pre season testing in just a few weeks’ time, which will provide even more opportunity to learn," Lowdon concluded.

For Perez, the first laps carried both emotional and competitive significance, he said: “Today was really an amazing day. Everyone should feel incredibly proud to complete our first laps as a team.

"Each and every person has worked so hard to get to this moment and it was emotional to be part of motorsport history. We can, and should, all enjoy, but it’s absolutely fired me up for more.

"I just want to get back in and get mileage; this is just the start," the Mexican driver said in concluded.

Valtteri Bottas, who will also race for the team, echoed that sentiment after observing the shakedown, he commented: “As a team we made history today with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team car taking to the track for the first time.

"Checo put in the first laps with the car running smoothly. I’m proud of the whole team for getting to this point, which is really impressive. It was special to be part of this moment and witness the joy from the team.

"Our first day is done and now we push on," Bottas concluded.

With its first on track milestone complete, Cadillac now turns its focus to pre season testing as preparations accelerate for its debut Formula 1 campaign.